Starting your first year in business can feel exciting and overwhelming, especially when you are not sure which HMRC or Companies House deadlines apply to you. This simple guide explains the key first-year business deadlines for UK sole traders and limited companies, including Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, annual accounts, VAT, and payroll, so you can stay organised, avoid penalties, and feel more confident about your finances.

Starting your own business is exciting, but the financial side can feel overwhelming. This guide explains what new UK small business owners should consider when setting up their finance function, including bookkeeping, tax responsibilities, cash flow, systems and when to ask for help.

If you’re a sole trader in the United Kingdom, the weeks leading up to 5 April can feel uncomfortable. You know the tax year is ending, you’ve heard scary stories about HMRC fines, and you might be wondering:

“What if I’ve missed something and get a penalty later?”

You’re not alone in feeling that way. The good news is that you don’t need to have a perfect set of accounts to get started – you just need a simple, practical end of tax year checklist to follow.